Cancer discovery hope

16th August 2011

Researchers at the Institute of Cancer Research have said they have found out how cancerous cells force their way out of tumours and spread.

The team explained in Cancer Cell journal that a protein known as JAK helps cells build up the necessary force to bust out of the cell and spread. It is believed 90% of cancer deaths occur because of metastasis, where secondary tumours occur around the body and grow more quickly. Dr Lesley Walker, Cancer Research UK's director of cancer information, said: "Discovering how cancer cells can funnel grooves though tissues, to squeeze away from primary tumours and spread to new sites, gives scientists fresh understanding of ways to stop cancer spread - literally in its tracks."